Chapter 9
Emma woke early, anxious to prepare the house for Felix and his guest. She had decided that the Rose room would be the most suitable for his visitor. It was next to the bathroom on the landing, so it would be theirs to use. She couldn’t help but wonder if the guest was here on a private or business matter. Could this be a new girlfriend perhaps? But then why would she be asked to prepare a separate bedroom?
Emma knew, like the whole world did, of his contentious break-up with that supermodel. However, having got to know the man this past week, she found it hard to believe how the media had portrayed him; she certainly hadn’t ever seen any signs of the traits he’d been labelled with. Felix had never shown a violent temper, controlling behaviour or narcistic tendencies at all. From her point of view, Felix was a fairly laid-back, decent kind of guy. It was clear he worshipped his mother from the way he talked about her, which Emma found endearing. She also thought it was sweet the way he regarded his PA Jennifer. As for herself, he was also considerate, asking if her room was comfortable enough and if she had any concerns about anything to tell him. She couldn’t have asked for more from an employer. He also paid well, which was a bonus.
She had stocked the bathroom with fresh toiletries and clean towels and was putting flowers in the Rose room when it suddenly occurred to her – what if Felix’s guest was male? Would he appreciate flowers in his room? She’d automatically assumed the guest was female. Now why was that? Perhaps because he was single… and handsome to boot, she chuckled. Surely a man such as Felix Paschal wouldn’t be short of female company.
Emma had prepared tea and fruitcake for Felix’s arrival. She was now learning to master the aga and had baked the cake herself, surprising herself at how domesticated she was becoming. She seemed to have slipped into the role of housekeeper seamlessly. It was such a huge change from her old job at the bank in comparison and she shuddered at the thought of working there now. Although some may dismiss housework as an occupation, Emma was enchanted with the grand house. She loved its interior as much as the outside setting. And as for having a sexy, good looking, famous boss, well, it was tough work, but someone had to do it!
The main pull for Emma, though, was being on set for the drama about to be shot. It absolutely fascinated her to think of how the house was to be used as a location. Felix was right, it was the perfect backdrop. She imagined the place full of lights, camera, action and pictured herself milling amongst the actors, offering cocktails on a silver tray. Or maybe she was letting her imagination run away with her. They’d more than likely be too busy and pushed for time. Judging from the snippets of conversation she’d overheard, Felix was on a tight budget and timescale to wrap up the production.
Music-wise, things were quiet with the band, as was usual for the winter months setting in. There was just one gig scheduled in December, but they were expecting things to pick up in spring. The band mainly performed outside, festivals being their most popular gigs, so tended to be booked in warmer weather. Emma missed playing and singing with her band. Often she’d look at the grand piano in the hall and was so tempted to play it. The acoustics were brilliant, reverberating round the high ceiling.
It was now early afternoon so Felix shouldn’t be too long, assuming he’d caught the morning train. Having set the tea tray ready, she made her way into the hall. There it was, that magnificent grand piano, just calling out to her. Oh, go for it, she thought, and quickly sat down on the stool and opened the piano lid. What to play? Ah, what Felix had requested on the house open day? He’d asked forChampagne Problemsby Taylor Swift. It was a gentle, placid piece with lovely piano music. She started the first few bars, then sang the opening lines, closing her eyes, totally immersed in the song. So much so that she didn’t hear Felix and his guest enter the hall. They stood there in silence, listening to her. Only when Emma opened her eyes did she notice her audience. She stopped suddenly in alarm and began to standup.
‘Sorry… I was…’
‘That was brilliant!’ gushed the young woman standing next to Felix.
‘It was,’ he agreed with a grin.
Emma blushed. ‘I’ve prepared some tea…’
‘No rush,’ said Felix. ‘Emma meet Polly, Polly meet Emma.’
‘Hi there.’ Polly beamed invitingly.
‘Hello,’ smiled Emma. Now, giving her full attention, she realised this was Polly Andrews; she’d read about the actress in a magazine after she’d made her name playing Eliza Doolittle on the stage. Blinking in astonishment, then quickly remembering her place, she uttered, ‘I’ll go and fetch the tea.’
‘Great, thanks, Emma. We’ll be in the drawing room,’ Felix replied.
Emma noticed Polly’s suitcase.
‘Shall I take your case upstairs?’ she asked.
‘No need, I’ll do that,’ Felix answered before Polly could reply. He gave her a quick grin, then showed his guest through the hall into the drawing room.
Emma scurried down into the kitchen, all the time her mind whirling. Polly Andrews! Who would have thought this time last year she would be in such company with two famous actors. She cringed at them catching her playing the piano, hoping Felix didn’t think she was taking liberties. He didn’t appear to though; if anything, he looked like he was enjoying it.
Emma suspected that Polly was going to be Lady Scarlett, the leading lady in the drama, and when she served them tea in the drawing room, her suspicions were proved right. Felix asked Emma to sit down and join them.
‘Polly is here to familiarise herself with the house,’ he explained. ‘Playing the leading role, we thought it’d be a good idea for her to feel comfortable about the place, before filming starts.’
Polly nodded and smiled in Emma’s direction.
‘When will the filming begin?’ asked Emma.
‘Next week,’ replied Felix.
‘Right.’ Emma tried to sound in control, even though her mind was going into overdrive. She wanted clear instructions as to what would be expected of her, but didn’t like asking in front of Polly.
‘Don’t worry, we’ll have a chat beforehand,’ assured Felix, seeing the expression on her face. News of the imminent filming had clearly affected her. ‘In fact, I was going to suggest we all eat together this evening?’
‘Sounds great,’ agreed Polly with another smile.
‘Err… yes,’ replied Emma, taken aback. Her? Dining with two famous actors?
‘Nothing formal though, just a simple kitchen supper,’ said Felix.
